Rocket with Indian satellite explodes after launch

NEW DELHI -- A rocket carrying an Indian communication satellite exploded just after liftoff Saturday in the second launch failure for India's space agency this year.

The Associated Press

NEW DELHI -- A rocket carrying an Indian communication satellite exploded just after liftoff Saturday in the second launch failure for India's space agency this year.

Television images showed the rocket exploding in the first stage after it launched from the Sriharikota space center. It was carrying a GSAT-5P satellite into orbit.

The Indian Space Research Organization had no immediate comment.

In April, a rocket on a developmental flight plunged into the Bay of Bengal.

Yashpal, a retired Indian scientist and independent commentator, said other countries too have experienced such failures. "I hope it's just one of those things," Yashpal, who uses one name, told reporters.

India is planning its first manned space flight in 2016.

An Indian satellite launched in 2008 to orbit the moon was abandoned last year after communication links snapped and scientists lost control of the satellite.

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